n. a genus of *mites that have been detected in samples of dust taken from houses in various parts of Europe. House-dust mites feed on human skin and scales and cause dermatitis of the scalp. Waste products from the mites produce an allergic response in susceptible people that is an important trigger for some forms of *rhinitis and *asthma.
A mite is an arthropod belonging to a group of insects called ACARINA. It may be parasitic or free-living. Most mites are less than 1 mm long and medically signi?cant ones include those that cause DERMATITIS (dermatophagoides) and the harvest mite, which transmits scrub typhus (see under TYPHUS FEVER).... mites
n. any *antigen that causes *allergy in a hypersensitive person. Allergens are diverse and affect different tissues and organs. Pollens, fur, feathers, mould, and dust may cause hay fever; house-dust mites (see Dermatophagoides) have been implicated in some forms of asthma; drugs, dyes, cosmetics, and a host of other chemicals can cause rashes and dermatitis; some food allergies may cause diarrhoea or constipation or simulate acute bacterial food poisoning. When a patient’s allergen has been identified (see patch test), it may be possible to attempt *desensitization to alleviate or prevent allergic attacks. —allergenic adj.... allergen
n. a free-living or parasitic arthropod belonging to a group (Acarina) that also includes the *ticks. Most mites are small, averaging 1 mm or less in length. A mite has no antennae or wings, and its body is not divided into a distinct head, thorax, and abdomen. Medically important mites include the many species causing dermatitis (e.g. Dermatophagoides) and the harvest mite (see Trombicula), which transmits scrub typhus.... mite
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